Light Up The World is the fifth album from the Desperation Band and the first studio recorded album at New Life Church. Filled with passionate songs birthed in the furnace of worship, prayer and intercession, Desperation Band’s first studio album is a powerful experience calling the body of Christ to mercy and justice. Light Up The World is a fresh new sound of worship from the Desperation Movement through which thousands of students have taken the Desperation Vow to wholeheartedly follow God. In a special partnership with Heartwork Uganda, this album is dedicated to being a source of mission preparation and funding for the building of orphanages in Uganda.
Track Listing
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Desperation Band [Light Up The World]| Posted September 22, 2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
“Light Up The World” is the fifth album from the Desperation Band, writers of “I Am Free”, “Rescue”, “My Savior Lives” and “Counting On God”. Their songs have been covered by Newsboys, Newsong and Phillips, Craig & Dean. The band is formerly made up of Jared Anderson, Jon Egan and Glenn Packiam. This album is a solo project by Jon Egan since Jared and Glenn were working on their own solo projects. It is the first studio recorded album at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. All three are associate worship pastors at the church, serving under senior pastor, Ross Parsley.
Filled with passionate songs birthed in the furnace of worship, prayer and intercession, Desperation Band’s first studio album is a powerful experience calling the body of Christ to mercy and justice. “Light Up The World” is a fresh new sound of worship from the Desperation Movement through which thousands of students have taken the Desperation Vow to wholeheartedly follow God. In a special partnership with Heartwork Uganda, this album is dedicated to being a source of mission preparation and funding for the building of orphanages in Uganda.
The album opens with an instrumental introduction “You Started It All” which leads to “You Hold It All”. I’ve been collecting Desperation Band since “From The Rooftops” which features “I Am Free”, so it took me awhile to get used to the studio recordings compared to the energy from past live recordings. Hillsong United released a similar collection called “All Of The Above” which were also studio recordings. There is a connection between the songs as there are more instrumental tracks, “Dawn Till Dusk” between “God Be Praised” and “Highest Place” and “The Morning” between “Joy Will Come” and title track “Light Up The World”.
There is an ambient feel to most of the songs similar to “The Hope That Lies In You” by The Glorious Unseen, one of my top albums of the year. For me the highlights are “You Hold It All”, “Be The Change”, “Solid Rock”, “Highest Place” and “Light Up The World”. They all have strong messages and catchy melodies. There are several reflective songs including “God Be Praised”, “Holy Ground” and “Angel Song”. There are two songs, “Joy Will Come” and “Highest Place” which feature a female vocalist that reminded me of Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood singing “Soon” with Hillsong United.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like ambient worship like The Glorious Unseen and the softer songs by Hillsong United, then you should like the standout songs of “Light Up The World” by Desperation Band, especially “You Hold It All” and “Highest Place” which I can imagine singing with fellow believers.
Rating: 8.7 out of 10 (87%, B+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Fantastic Work| Posted September 18, 2009
This album was fantastic lyrically and musically and sonically.
The band really sounded tight, the songs were memorable, and I especially appreciated the addition of a female vocal which wasn't really present on past Desperation albums.
I hope to see the producer doing a lot more projects in the future; he did a fantastic job.
Nothing Short of Revelatory| Posted September 09, 2009
Desperation Band heralds from Colorado's New Life Church. With multiple live recordings behind them, and a relatively avid fan base, the band now releases "Light Up The World", a studio project that is superb! This is my first listen to Desperation so forgive me if I seem a little ignorant of past works. While I would be completely ignorant to overlook the very stark allusions to Hillsong United, I would like to, for the sake of giving a fair review. The album includes 14 songs that can be heard on regular CD players, 2 MP3 files, and a Video when inserted into a computer.
The album kicks off with an instrumental track that really sets the mood for what is to come impeccably! the album continues with justice themed anthems, "You Hold It All" and "Be The Change". As a matter of fact, the entire album centers on the theme of Global justice, both local and across nations. No doubt this theme is inspired by the terrible tragedy that occurred at the church nearly 2 years ago. The rest of the album is a mixed bag of up tempo anthems and slow prayerful ballads. All executed superbly!
The sound of this album is amazing, and expectantly so considering its a studio recording. Every wail of a guitar, rumble of a bass, and beep of a synth is distinguishable and layered perfectly. Vocals shine from both male and female worship leaders, and the lyrics are rousing in places and contemplative in others. I can not say enough good about this album.
This band is sure to give label mates, Gateway Worship, Hillsong United, and Klaus a major run for their money! This is the must have surprise of the Summer! Truly a must own!
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